Distinguishing Alpha Cards from Beta Cards

Alpha cards and Beta cards represent two print runs of the highly popular card game Magic: The Gathering, created by Whitman College Math professor Richard Garfield. Both sets of cards lack copyright dates, expansion, and trademark symbols.

Alpha Cards

Alpha cards make up the first printed set of the game, released at the Origins Game Fair Convention in 1993. A total of 2.6 million copies were printed and sold out months after their debut. The printed Alpha cards contain various text errors that can confuse new players. Garfield also developed a story called “Worzel’s Story” that is featured in the Alpha rulebook.

Beta Cards

Beta cards, also known as Limited Edition Beta, are the second release of Magic: The Gathering. This release features revisions to the errors found in the Alpha cards. Beta cards were released due to the Alpha cards selling out, and 7.3 million cards were printed to ensure there were enough for everyone.

Difference between Alpha and Beta Cards

Although Alpha and Beta cards are the first sets of cards in the game, they have distinct differences. The Alpha rulebook includes Worzel’s story, while it was removed from the Beta rulebook. Two cards, Circle of Protection: Black and Volcanic Island, were accidentally removed from the Alpha set but added to the Beta set. Additionally, Alpha cards have steeper rounded corners compared to Beta cards due to the dies used in cutting the cards.

While Magic: The Gathering may not be as popular as it once was, there are still many players who continue to enjoy the game.

Key Takeaways

• Alpha cards are the first print run with 2.6 million copies, while Beta cards are the second print run with 7.3 million copies.
• Worzel’s Tale is included in the Alpha rulebook but not in the Beta rulebook.
• Two cards, Circle of Protection: Black and Volcanic Island, were accidentally removed from the Alpha set and later added to the Beta set.